Herbed Beer Bread
Herbed beer bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf with aromatic herbs and a hint of beer, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour, sugar, basil, thyme, and oregano.
- Mix well to distribute herbs evenly.
- Stir in beer to form a stiff batter.
- Grease a pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Turn the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 65 minutes.
- Brush the hot bread with softened butter.
- Turn out onto a rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding grated cheese or minced garlic to the batter. You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer taste. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. This herbed beer bread pairs beautifully with Jewel'S Poke Cake for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This herbed beer bread is perfect as a side for soups and stews, or served with a generous spread of butter. It also complements cheese boards and charcuterie platters. For a delightful breakfast, try pairing it with a sweet dish like Blender Apple Pancakes, offering a balance of flavors to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herbed beer bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Beer Bread contains roughly 321 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different herbs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, dill, or parsley to create a flavor profile that suits your taste. Just keep in mind that stronger herbs might need to be used in smaller quantities to avoid overpowering the bread.
What type of beer should I use?
You can use any beer you enjoy, but a lager or pale ale works best for a balanced flavor. For a sweeter bread, consider using a fruit beer or a stout. Just remember that the beer's flavor will slightly influence the final taste of the bread.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. This will still yield a delicious bread while making it suitable for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).